Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Increased Insulin Requirement For A Diabetic Type-1 Patient?
Question: I'm type one diabetic. Recently I'm having to inject more insulin for the same meals. What can be the cause?
Brief Answer:
About blood glucose increase;
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
There are some situations in which the blood glucose increases and the needs for insulin are higher;
-Infections or stressful situations.
-Quiting physical activity or taking higher caloric foods.
- Gaining weight that causes insulin resistance and higher hepatic production of glucose.
Do you think one of the above mentioned causes is the reason of the increase in your blood glucose lately?
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
About blood glucose increase;
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
I have gone carefully through your concern.
There are some situations in which the blood glucose increases and the needs for insulin are higher;
-Infections or stressful situations.
-Quiting physical activity or taking higher caloric foods.
- Gaining weight that causes insulin resistance and higher hepatic production of glucose.
Do you think one of the above mentioned causes is the reason of the increase in your blood glucose lately?
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Dear Dr Mirjeta,
First of all, I’m retired military and get treatment at a local military hospital. I already have an appointment to see a doctor there for my yearly issue of medications. I’m assigned a doctor but I never see one I’m assigned because I only go for the yearly blood tests and new prescriptions. And when the time comes for this procedure, the doctor I’m assigned never has openings to see me. So I just get sent to whoever is available.
My next doctor visit is in about two weeks. I have in mind to question the doctor I see about this increased insulin dose issue. But because the continued higher dose is a concern, I’ve taken this step for an earlier opinion. For a long time, according to glucose meter readings, I’ve injected 6-10 units of Novolog before each meal. I manage to usually stay under 30 unit’s a day. I also take 40 units of Lantus each night. Recently when I check the glucose it’s a lot higher than usual and is taking 40-45 units/day to control it. I’ve also tried reducing meal intake but I’m unsure of the result - that is, how much is cause by insulin increase and what was cause by reducing the meal.
I know about infections, higher food glucose, and stress - all have been a problem sometime in my past. I’m not over weight. I’m over 6 ft and weight 185 pounds. I’m not having any weight loss (at least not yet because of eating less). I feel fine - no symptoms of any trouble.
First of all, I’m retired military and get treatment at a local military hospital. I already have an appointment to see a doctor there for my yearly issue of medications. I’m assigned a doctor but I never see one I’m assigned because I only go for the yearly blood tests and new prescriptions. And when the time comes for this procedure, the doctor I’m assigned never has openings to see me. So I just get sent to whoever is available.
My next doctor visit is in about two weeks. I have in mind to question the doctor I see about this increased insulin dose issue. But because the continued higher dose is a concern, I’ve taken this step for an earlier opinion. For a long time, according to glucose meter readings, I’ve injected 6-10 units of Novolog before each meal. I manage to usually stay under 30 unit’s a day. I also take 40 units of Lantus each night. Recently when I check the glucose it’s a lot higher than usual and is taking 40-45 units/day to control it. I’ve also tried reducing meal intake but I’m unsure of the result - that is, how much is cause by insulin increase and what was cause by reducing the meal.
I know about infections, higher food glucose, and stress - all have been a problem sometime in my past. I’m not over weight. I’m over 6 ft and weight 185 pounds. I’m not having any weight loss (at least not yet because of eating less). I feel fine - no symptoms of any trouble.
Brief Answer:
About glucose control in type 1 Diabetes:
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
Your concern is right.
As a type 1 Diabetic patient, not being overweight, the total daily insulin is higher than expected.
In these cases some blood tests (liver, renal function, protein C reactive, ect) and a urine sample to rule out a urinary infection would be of help.
For the moment is important to keep normal glucose levels (adjusting the insulin dose, keep being active and try to reduce the carbs) , than your physician will try to give you an answer for the high insulin demands after a careful clinical examination and the above mentioned biochemical exams.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
About glucose control in type 1 Diabetes:
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
Your concern is right.
As a type 1 Diabetic patient, not being overweight, the total daily insulin is higher than expected.
In these cases some blood tests (liver, renal function, protein C reactive, ect) and a urine sample to rule out a urinary infection would be of help.
For the moment is important to keep normal glucose levels (adjusting the insulin dose, keep being active and try to reduce the carbs) , than your physician will try to give you an answer for the high insulin demands after a careful clinical examination and the above mentioned biochemical exams.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
